A decade ago, getting plastic surgery was something only the rich and famous participated in for the most part. But in the past few years, the amount of people going under the knife has raised exponentially. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), in just four years (from 1997 to 2001), the number of cosmetic procedures done in the U.S. increased by 304%. In 2003 there were roughly 8.3 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed. 8.3 million! By 2007, the number was raised to 11.7 million Americans undergoing cosmetic surgeries adding up to a grand total of $8,395,851,754. In 2010 the number of surgeries went down a few million.
What is also interesting is the change of popular surgeries over the years. Breast augmentation is always at the top of the list, but breast reductions have also cropped up along with surgeries like butt augmentation, or butt lifts. Tummy tucks are also always at the top of the lists. I attributed the changes in popularity to the desire of types of women over the years. Ten years ago big boobs were in. Pamela Anderson was an icon for the large girls and implants were extremely popular. But over the past few years, pop culture has changed to appreciating the ‘girl next door' natural look. Big boobs are no longer a necessity to make a career.
The amount of surgeries performed now has also increased at an alarming rate. There is almost nothing you cannot change on your body. Your butt, feet, cheeks, chin, ears, stomach, arms, you name it. It's incredible and a little ludicrous. Botox is a nonsurgical option to tighten the skin on your face that is extremely popular and well known.
So I got to wondering, what do women want now? Is plastic surgery so commonly accepted that women's attitudes have changed on getting a little work done here and there? I was curious, so I took to the streets of Boston and the college campuses placed every few feet to see what young women thought on the subject.
Women ages 18-22: 85% said they would undergo some kind of plastic surgery at some point in their lives. Women ages 23-30: 81% said they would would have something done. This question was very broad and not limited to any particular surgery which could include anything from a brow lift to breast augmentation or liposuction. Among the women that answered they wouldn't get plastic surgery the reasons ranged from too expensive, frightened of surgery, or they were just happy with their bodies. Some considered the idea when they were older possibly.
I suppose I found what I wanted. Much more women than not would voluntarily get plastic surgery. Whether they are unhappy with their bodies or they feel like they just want to improve one aspect of themselves, plastic surgery is more mainstream now than I think we've ever thought possible. After asking all these women, I realized I hadn't really asked myself. Would I get plastic surgery? I can't think of getting it right now at least. But maybe one day? Who knows. I no longer think you have to be insecure to want plastic surgery that's for sure. So here's my question ladies, would you cut, snip, add, or tuck yourself at some point in your lives?
